Lakers News: Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke to Magic Johnson about holding a role with the team

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to focus on the development of their young players in the upcoming offseason. Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson revealed that Kobe Bryant wants to be involved in making the franchise great again.

Kobe Bryant decided to retire after his 20th NBA season with the Lakers. The 38-year-old shooting guard knows his body is already at its limit and thinks it’s time for the young players to continue the Lakers’ legacy. However, he has openly stated that he’s only one phone call away if the Lakers need him.

Kobe Bryant wants to be involved with the Lakers

In an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Magic Johnson discussed Bryant’s desire to work with the Lakers this summer. The five-time NBA champion is expected to be more involved in the development of the young core. Johnson is also open for any advice “The Mamba” could give for the betterment of the team.

“Kobe wants to be a part of it,” Johnson told SiriusXM NBA Radio. “He wants to be involved, and I told him any kind of way he wants to be involved. We don’t want him to come into work every day, no. We just want his expertise and pick his brain and also, show me or tell me what’s missing. So then I can say, ‘Okay, hey, maybe I missed that. I’m going to jump on that.’ He got great ideas, so we’re going to implement a plan where we can have him involved.”

Several NBA superstars, including Paul George, planned to workout with Bryant this summer. The Lakers are encouraging Brandon Ingram to reach out the future Hall of Famer and learn the “Mamba Mentality.” D’Angelo Russell also expressed his intention to have a workout with Bryant this summer. However, it remains unknown whether when or where will the workout will take place.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wants role with the Lakers

Aside from Bryant, Johnson also reached out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about having a role with the team in some capacity. The two-time MVP expressed his interest in helping his former team and revealed his plan to visit the Lakers in the coming weeks.

“I have to go in and talk with Magic,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said. “He asked me to come in, and I haven’t had time. It’s like a month since I’ve spoken to him about it. I am going to stop in to see him in the next couple of weeks and maybe work out something where I can help out the team. We’ll see if something makes sense.”